Most people may think that people who write computer code (代码) must be good at math and logical (逻辑的) thinking. However, people who write computer code say that creativity is also important for writing code.

Software developers (开发者) in the USA have created a game called Osmo Coding Jam. The game is designed to help children use the creative side of their minds as they learning to code. Children can play the game on iPads.

Tanya Dodge is the mother of two children who play the game. According to her, these activities give them important skills for the future. “It's an analytical (分析的) skill” said Dodge.

But the developers believe writing code should be more than just an analytical skill. “We want to explore the creative side of coding that I think is often not as explored,” said Felix Hu, an Osmo engineer. Hu added, “The coolest part is that we're teaching kids how to be creative with code and that's a really important thing that kids should get comfortable with because coding is creative.”

Hu also sees many parents who feel that software code is a second language that children need to learn to succeed in future jobs. Tanya Dodge agrees, she said, “I think you're going to have to understand at some point the idea of coding will work well in the future.” Hu also explained that very often kids grow up not understanding how a computer works or just thinking that it's like a magical machine. He said by breaking it down to a lower level, kids can understand that the computer isn't as smart as they think it is.

Ever feel sleepy when it’s time to get up for school? If you think school shouldn’t start so early, you’re not alone. Lots of scientists and doctors agree. That’s why some groups are pushing for later start times.

There’s good news for some students who like to snooze*. California passed a new law. It sets rules. High schools will start at 8:30 am or later. Middle schools will start at 8 am or later. So students might get more minutes of California dreaming.

Research shows that most adolescents need about nine hours of sleep a night. They usually get their best sleep between 11 pm and 8 am. So if students get up at 5 or 6 am, they miss some good sleeping time. Students who don’t get enough sleep can have health problems. They have trouble learning, too. It’s hard to learn when you’re nodding off at your desk!

But some people think starting schools later isn’t so smart. They argue there’s no way to be sure students will get more sleep. After all, the law can’t make students go to bed! And schools that start later finish later. That leaves students with less free time. Like what? Sports, jobs, chores, and homework. And let’s not forget fun!

Maybe another problem is buses! If all schools start near the same time, a district* has to pay for more buses and drivers. That’s one reason so many high schools start very early.

In fact, several schools outside California have a ready set later start times. Seattle Public Schools is an example. High schools there start no earlier than 8:45 am. A new law may soon be passed in Ohio. It would push back start times in that state.

How about you? Like to start school bright and early? Or would you rather snooze till the sun is high in the sky?

Video cameras are everywhere: schools, theaters and stores. But in recent years, they have entered our homes. Many parents set up cameras at home to watch their children’s online classes and homework. Are cameras really helpful? What do students think about it? We invited two students to share their thoughts.

Luo Yuzhe, 15, Gansu

When I was in Junior 2, I liked to lie in bed and watch videos instead of studying. This affected my studies and made my grades worse. So my parents set up a camera to keep an eye on me.

It worked. With the camera watching, I had to do my homework first and make plans for studying at home. When I was alone at home, the camera made me feel safe because I knew that my parents were watching on the other side. My grades improved after a year.

Zhao Xin, 15, Beijing

Earlier this year, my parents set up a camera in my room. I really didn’t like it because I felt like there were always eyes watching me. I felt so uncomfortable that I couldn’t sleep well at night.

Knowing there was a camera around, when my friends came to my home, they would speak quietly and carefully. We couldn’t have pillow fights. I was sad. So I asked my parents to take the camera away. They agreed it as long as I promised to behave well. I feel happy and free now.